The British Geological Survey is studying the influence of geology, geotechnics and climate change on the process of landsliding and cliff recession at twelve sites around the 'soft rock' coasts of England (see map). These sites were specifically chosen to represent different geological successions and/or types of landslide process. By concentrating on sites where there is a measurable recession rate, we are able to observe slope processes taking place on a human, rather than geological timescale.
Surveys are carried out annually and involve the following activities:
- detailed measurements of the surface of the cliff face by terrestrial laser scanning system
- geological mapping to improve our understanding of how geology affects landsliding and coastal erosion processes at each site
- geotechnical probing, sampling and testing to assess the physical properties of the rocks.
 Model to show the changes in the cliff face from 2005 to 2006 at Sidestrand, Norfolk. The blue end of the colour scale indicates growth. The red end of the colour scale indicates loss. |
 Location of our 12 monitoring sites around England. |
The results are processed to provide 3D models, each one providing a snapshot in time of the position and shape of the cliff face. By comparing successive models, it is possible to identify how the cliff is receding, calculate the volumes of material that are being lost, and measure absolute recession rates. This information is an essential first step to assessing the likely impact of climate change on slope processes and landsliding across Britain.
3D model of the cliffs at Aldbrough, East Riding of Yorkshire measured in 2006. The image shows 3,000,000 points, each measured to an accuracy of ± 25 mm.
Further reading
For further information contact: enquiries@bgs.ac.uk
